Medium format camera film, also known as 120 film, is 6 cm wide. While the width is consistent, medium format cameras shoot different variations of frame length, resulting in different image dimensions on the film.
Understanding Medium Format Film Size
The term "medium format" refers to a film size larger than 35mm film (standard for most modern film cameras) but smaller than large format film. The provided reference specifically states:
- Medium format is also known as 120 film.
- It is 6 cm wide.
- Different cameras shoot different variations of frame length.
- Common frame sizes include 6×4.5, 6×6, 6×7, 6×9, and panoramic 6×17.
- In each case, the numbers refer to the frame size in cm.
So, while the film itself is a roll 6 cm wide, the resulting image size or frame size varies depending on the camera's design.
Common Medium Format Frame Sizes
The variations in frame length allow photographers to choose different aspect ratios and numbers of exposures per roll. Here are some of the most common frame sizes:
- 6x4.5: Also known as 645, this is the smallest medium format frame. It offers more exposures per roll than other sizes.
- 6x6: This produces a perfect square image. It's a classic format popular for its compositional flexibility.
- 6x7: Often called "ideal format," its aspect ratio is close to a standard 8x10 print.
- 6x9: This offers a more panoramic or rectangular view compared to 6x6 or 6x7.
- 6x17: A dedicated panoramic format that captures a very wide scene.
The first number in each size (6) always refers to the film's width in centimeters (approximately, as there's typically a small border for perforations and handling, but the image area uses the ~6cm width). The second number refers to the length of the frame exposed along the roll.
Here's a quick overview of common frame sizes:
| Frame Size (cm) | Description | Aspect Ratio (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 6×4.5 | Rectangular | 1.33:1 |
| 6×6 | Square | 1:1 |
| 6×7 | Rectangular | 1.2:1 |
| 6×9 | Rectangular | 1.5:1 |
| 6×17 | Wide Panoramic | 2.83:1 |
Understanding the film size (6 cm width) and the various frame sizes helps photographers appreciate the versatility and unique characteristics of shooting with medium format cameras.
